Lecture series connects UIC to world

The UIC community can engage in conversation with foreign diplomats about global issues in a unique lecture series.

Each spring, the Allan Lerner Lecture Series brings five consuls general to UIC. Past lecturers include consuls general from El Salvador, Venezuela, France, Egypt, Pakistan, India, Israel, South Africa and the United Kingdom.

“The series is a great opportunity to discuss complicated topics, in the right way and with the right people, and to get a better understanding of the topics rather than approaching them in a very simplistic way,” said Nora Bonnin, senior director of the Office of International Affairs and co-founder of the lecture series.

Polyxeni Petropoulou, the consul general of Greece, will speak at UIC from 12:30 to 1:45 p.m. Thursday in the White Oak Rooms, Student Center East. RSVP is required; email kmfloros@uic.edu

“This is part of the university’s commitment to civic engagement,” said Katharine Floros, visiting assistant professor of political science.

The series “builds ties between UIC and other parts of the world,” said Dick Simpson, political science professor and co-founder of the series.

The series was created in memory of the late faculty member Allan Lerner, who, during his 34 years at UIC, founded the Office of International Affairs, established the structure of the College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs, led efforts to implement a Ph.D. program in the public administration department and connected the university to consuls general throughout Chicago.

Speakers have later supported UIC exhibits, events and conferences.  “We’re looking to engage the members of the consular corps in the life of UIC,” Floros said.

The Allan Lerner Series is sponsored and organized by the political science department, Office of International Affairs and College of Urban Planning and Public Affairs.